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|before = ''[[Long Road Out of Eden]]'' by [[The Eagles]]
|before = ''[[Long Road Out of Eden]]'' by [[The Eagles]]
|title = [[Billboard 200]] [[Number-one albums of 2007 (U.S.)|number-one album]]
|title = [[Billboard 200]] [[Number-one albums of 2007 (U.S.)|number-one album]]
|years = [[November 24]] [[2007]] -
|years = [[November 24]] [[2007]]
|after = Incumbent
|after = ''[[As I Am]]'' by [[Alicia Keys]]
}}
}}
{{end box}}
{{end box}}

Revision as of 16:29, 21 November 2007

Untitled

American Gangster is the tenth studio album by rapper Jay-Z. It was released on November 6 2007 in the United States. American Gangster is Jay-Z's first concept album, which was inspired by the film of the same name. The album features production from Diddy & The Hitmen, Just Blaze, and The Neptunes, among others. Guest appearances include Beanie Sigel, Lil Wayne, Nas, and others. Jay-Z is set to release an acappella version of the album on his birthday, December 4th.[1]

Background

Jay-Z originally stated he recorded nine tracks for the album,[2] but the final track listing accumulated fifteen overall cuts (two bonus tracks). He also stated that almost every song is based on a specific scene from the film.[2] Def Jam executive Tracey Waples noted each track from the album will have its own "mini-film".[3] As for the direction of the album, Jay-Z used personal memories he hadn't touched on in a while, specifically memories from his early life when he lived in Brooklyn's Marcy Projects.[4]

On November 9, 2007, Jay-Z appeared on the Charlie Rose Show to discuss the album.[5][6] When asked about how the film gave life to this album, he replied:

It's a New York City tale, you know. So as soon as the movie came on, it was like familiar, things that my pop seen and my uncles seen and, you know, different things like that, things I've seen growing up. So they resonated with me in a way, the story, as well as, I mean, even though everything happens, you know, the way it turns out, you know, it's one of those movies that where you champion the good guy, because the good guy, you know, he don't seem like a bad guy, and the bad guy — I mean the good guys are bad. You know, that complex — the complexity of human beings in this thing was amazing to me. I loved the complexity of the human beings.

Jay-Z pulled American Gangster from the popular iTunes Music Store. Jay stated "as movies are not sold scene by scene, this collection will not be sold as individual singles." However, the album is available for digital download, in its entirety, at Rocafella.com, Amazon.com and Rhapsody.com.[7] Those who pre-ordered and paid for the entire album from iTunes, however, were still able to download it.

Tour

On October 21 2007, Jay-Z announced his American Gangster Tour to promote the album. Jay stated that he would only perform material from American Gangster. The tour consist of five smaller sized venues across the U.S., starting on November 6, 2007 in L.A. and ending on November 12, 2007 in Philadelphia.[8] According to a statement on the Roc-A-Fella website, the five-city club tour sold out in less than 60 seconds.[9]

Music

Lyrics

All Music Guide says that "And that might be the most common complaint about the album — it's really just another case of Jay-Z being Jay-Z, albeit with different presentation. Unless you know each verse from Reasonable Doubt through Kingdom Come, it might sound like he's dealing with no variation on well-worn themes, the exact same thoughts and emotions that make up older tracks about his past as a drug dealer — the rise, the arrogance, the conflictedness, the fall, and all stages in between."[10]

Pitchfork Media noted that ""No Hook" has some of the most complicated rhyme-patterns he's tried in years":[11]

Stay outta trouble, momma said, as momma sighed

Her fear her youngest son be a victim of homicide

But I gotta get you outta here momma, or I'mma die...inside.

— Jay-Z – No Hook

Although Jay-Z says American Gangster was inspired by the movie of the same name, he touches on the topics of censorship and the Jena 6 controversy:[12]

And if Al Sharpton is speaking for me

Somebody get him the word and tell him I don't approve
Tell him I'll remove the curses
If you tell me our schools gon' be perfect

When Jena 6 don't exist Tell him THAT's when I'll stop saying bitch—BIIITCH!

— Jay-Z – Say Hello

Guests

Beanie Sigel and an appearance from Lil Wayne are two of the few featured guest spots on the album, in which Sigel appears on the new version of "Ignorant Shit", and Lil Wayne joins Jay-Z on "Hello Brooklyn 2.0".[13] Also, fellow New York rapper and once rival Nas, is featured on the No I.D.-produced track "Success", while the Neo soul singer Bilal sings the hook on "Fallin'", but is unofficially credited according to XXL. Pharrell also appears on the tracks "Blue Magic" and "I Know".[13]

Production

The Neptunes provide production twice on the album, with the first single "Blue Magic" which is actually a bonus track, and the eighth track "I Know".[14] Diddy and two of his producers known as LV and Sean C, who are from his production team The Hitmen, are responsible for six tracks on the album. They are credited with the second single "Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)...", "American Dreamin'" where his other production partner Mario Winans assists, "No Hook", "Party Life", "Pray", and finally "Sweet".[14]

DJ Toomp delivers one track for the album, while Just Blaze is credited for a bonus track and the re-make of "Ignorant Shit".[14] Kanye West mentor No I.D. gives two tracks also, one which he co-produces with Jermaine Dupri and vice versa.[14] Finally, three lesser known producers lend hand to the "Intro", which is credited to Chris Flames and co-production from Idris "Driis" Elba, while Bigg D produces the Beastie Boys sampling Lil Wayne assisted track, "Hello Brooklyn 2.0".[14]

Singles

So far, Jay-Z has released two singles from the album. "Blue Magic" was the first one released on September 20 2007 peaking at 52 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100,[15] 31 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs,[16] and 17 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Rap Tracks.[17] The tracks name is a refrence to the kind of heroin that Frank Lucas sold in the movie American Gangster, the CD even came in a package similar to the one the heroin came in. The second single, "Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)..." released on October 10 2007, has reached 90 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100,[18] 20 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs,[19] and 14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Rap Tracks.[20]

Music Videos have been made for "Blue Magic" and "Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)...". The video for "Blue Magic" was directed by Hype Williams and debuted on BET's 106 & Park on October 11, 2007.[21] In the video Jay has wads and a suitcase full of 500 Euro notes.[21] The video for "Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)..." was directed by Chris Robinson.[22] The video shows Jay-Z a teenager and as he is today. Cameo appearances include Memphis Bleek, Diddy, Freeway, Nas, Jadakiss, and others.[22]

Sales

Although American Gangster didn't sell as well as Jay-Z's previous effort Kingdom Come it still managed to debut at number one on the Billboard 200, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Album charts selling 425,861 records in the United States its first week.[23] American Gangster is Jay Z's tenth number one album officially tying him with Elvis Presley for the second highest number of number one albums behind The Beatles.[24] Internationally American Gangster moved approximately 457,000 units in his first week, debuting at number two on the United World Chart behind Long Road Out of Eden.[25]

Reception

American Gangster received universal acclaim from music critics.[26] Rolling Stone said that American Gangster "definitely doesn't have any fluff like Kingdom Come's '30 Something' or 'Beach Chair.' Jay sounds relaxed, no longer worried about impressing anyone. Instead, he follows the story from the uptown dope-king ambition of 'American Dreamin' ' to the big-payback crash of "Fallin'." [27] Entertainment Weekly also added "While Jay-Z does not make the ambitious leap of trying to write from Lucas' point of view, he does use the film's story and period vibe to color his own elaborate legend. On 'American Dreamin',' a Marvin Gaye sample provides the backdrop as Jay-Z wistfully recounts his early days as a wannabe dealer, scheming with his buddies."[28] All Music Guide wrote that "While several tracks connected to specific scenes are also rooted in productions trading in the regal grit that made up so much '70s soul, the album is not a straight narrative, broken up by tracks like the boom-clap of 'Hello Brooklyn 2.0' (produced by Bigg D) and the glitzed-out pair of 'I Know' (a half-icing Neptunes layer cake) and 'Ignorant Shit' (where Just Blaze transforms the Isleys' quiet storm staple 'Between the Sheets' into a high-gloss anthem)."[10]

Track listing

# Title Songwriter(s) Producer(s) Featured guest(s) Sample(s) Time
1 "Intro" Chris Flame, co-produced by Idris "Driis" Elba 2:00
2 "Pray" Carter, S./Combs, S./Coppin, L./Hawkshaw, A./Matthews, D. Diddy and LV & Sean C 4:24
3 "American Dreamin'" Carter, S./Combs, S./Coppin, L./Gaye, M./Matthews, D./Ross, A./Ware, L. Diddy and LV & Sean C, co-produced by Mario Winans
  • "Soon I'll Be Loving You Again" by Marvin Gaye
  • Background vocals: Keon Bryce
 4:47
4 "Hello Brooklyn 2.0" Baker, D./Carter, D./Carter, S. Bigg D Lil Wayne 3:56
5 "No Hook" Carter, S./Combs, S./Coppin, L./Matthews, D./White, B. Diddy and LV & Sean C
  • Contains dialogue from the motion picture American Gangster, dialogue excerpts spoken by Denzel Washington
  • "Love Senrenade" by Barry White
  • Vocals: Jayms Madison
 3:14
6 "Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)..." Brenneck, T./Carter, S./Combs, S./Coppin, L./Deller, M./Guy, D./Mann, B./Matthews, D./Michels, L. Diddy and LV & Sean C
  • "Make The Road By Walking" by Menahan Street Band
  • Additional vocals: Beyoncé Knowles, Cassie and Kanye West
 4:12
7 "Sweet" Carter, S./Combs, S./Coppin, L./Love, R./Matthews, D. Diddy and LV & Sean C
  • "Does Your Mama Know" by Rudy Love & The Love Family
  • Additional vocals: Cassie, Carmen Cameron and A.J. Walker
 3:26
8 "I Know" Carter, S./Williams, P. The Neptunes 3:42
9 "Party Life" Carter, S./Combs, S./Coppin, L./Hale, W./Matthews, D./Stone, D. Diddy and LV & Sean C 4:29
10 "Ignorant S**t" Carter, S./Grant, D./Isley, M./Isley, O./Isley, R./Smith, J./Isley, Ernie/Jasper, Chris Just Blaze Beanie Sigel 3:41
11 "Say Hello" Brocker, T./Carter, S./Davis, A. DJ Toomp
  • "The Love We Share Is The Greatest of Them All" by Tom Brock
  • Background vocals: Rhonda Robinson
 5:26
12 "Success" Carter, S./Ellis, L./Jones, N./Wilson, E. No I.D., co-produced by Jermaine Dupri Nas 3:30
13 "Fallin'" Carter, S./Dupri, J./Hester, T. Jermaine Dupri, co-produced by No I.D. Bilal 4:06
* "Blue Magic" Carter, S./Ellis, T./Foster, D./Herron, C./Jones, M./Kaun, B./McElroy, T./Robinson, D./Williams, P. The Neptunes
  • Contains dialogue from the motion picture American Gangster, dialogue excerpts spoken by Denzel Washington
  • Contains dialogue from the motion picture Frankenstein Directed by James Whale
  • "Hold On" by En Vogue
  • Additional vocals: Pharrell Williams
 4:10
* "American Gangster" Carter, S./Mayfield, C./Smith, J. Just Blaze 3:41

An asterisk (*) indicates a bonus track.

Personnel

Information taken from All Music Guide.[29]

Charts

Charts (2007)[25][30][31][32][33] Peak
position
US Billboard 200 1
US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums 1
US Billboard Top Rap Albums 1
Canadian Albums Chart 3
UK Albums Chart 30
Swiss Albums Chart 17
Norway Albums Chart 29
French Albums Chart 58
Irish Albums Chart 59
Dutch Albums Chart 64
United World Chart 2

References

  1. ^ Shake. HHDX News Bits (Kanye West, Jay-Z). HipHopDX. Accessed November 19 2007.
  2. ^ a b David M. Halbfinger and Jeff Leeds (September 20 2007). For Jay-Z, Inspiration Arrives in a Movie. The New York Times. Accessed September 20 2007.
  3. ^ Omar Burgess (October 4 2007). Def Jam Speaks on American Gangster Project. HipHopDX. Accessed October 4 2007.
  4. ^ Lyrical Thought (October 15 2007). Jay-Z Regrets Kingdom Come, Corrects Kanye. Def Sounds. Accessed October 15 2007.
  5. ^ A conversation with rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z. Charlie Rose Show. Accessed November 7 2007.
  6. ^ Charlie Rose - Jay - Z. YouTube. Accessed November 8 2007.
  7. ^ Jay-Z Pulls American Gangster from iTunes XXL (November 6, 2007). Accessed November 6 2007.
  8. ^ Jay-Z Announces American Gangster Live Tour XXL. (October 22 2007). Accessed (November 2 2007).
  9. ^ Jay-Z’s American Gangster Tour Sells Out in Under A Minute XXL. (October 29 2007). Accessed (November 2 2007).
  10. ^ a b Andy Kellman. (((American Gangster > Overview ))) All Music Guide. Accessed November 5 2007.
  11. ^ Tom Breihan (November 8 2007). Jay-Z: American Gangster : Pitchfork Media Review. Pitchfork Media. Accessed November 19 2007.
  12. ^ Jokesta (November 8 2007). Jay Z Addresses Censoring Hip Hop On New Album, To Debut with 10th Number 1. Def Sounds. Accessed November 19 2007.
  13. ^ a b The Official Tracklisting for Jay-Z’s American Gangster. XXL. (October 15 2007). Accessed October 16 2007.
  14. ^ a b c d e The Producers Behind Jay-Z's American Gangster. XXL. (October 25 2007). Accessed October 25 2007.
  15. ^ The Billboard Hot 100 – Blue Magic. Billboard. Accessed October 11 2007.
  16. ^ Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Blue Magic. Billboard. Accessed October 11 2007.
  17. ^ Hot Rap Tracks – Blue Magic. Billboard. Accessed October 11 2007.
  18. ^ The Billboard Hot 100 – Roc Boys (And the Winner Is).... Billboard. Accessed November 15 2007.
  19. ^ Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Roc Boys (And the Winner Is).... Billboard. Accessed November 2007.
  20. ^ Hot Rap Tracks – Roc Boys (And the Winner Is).... Billboard. Accessed November 15 2007.
  21. ^ a b Universalmusicgroup (October 19 2007). Jay-Z - Blue Magic. YouTube. Accessed November 20 2007.
  22. ^ a b IlladelphQuesto (November 13 2007). Jay-Z - ROC Boys (And The Winner Is...). YouTube. Accessed November 20 2007.
  23. ^ Jay-Z Scores 10th #1 Album XXL. (November 14 2007). Accessed (November 19 2007).
  24. ^ Katie Hasty. Jay-Z Leapfrogs Eagles, Britney For No. 1 Debut. Billboard. Accessed November 14, 2007.
  25. ^ a b United World Chart – week – 47 / 2007 - November 24. Media Traffic. Accessed November 15 2007.
  26. ^ Jay-Z: American Gangster (2007): Reviews Metacritic. Accessed November 5, 2007.
  27. ^ Rob Sheffield (November 15 2007). Jay-Z – American Gangster Review. Rolling Stone. Accessed November 5 2007.
  28. ^ Neil Drumming (October 29 2007). American Gangster | Music Review. Entertainment Weekly. Accessed November 5 2007.
  29. ^ ((( American Gangster > Credits ))). All Music Guide. Accessed November 13 2007.
  30. ^ Jay-Z – American Gangster. aCharts. Accessed November 15 2007.
  31. ^ Albums : Top 100 – 11 November, 2007 (for the Week Ending 15 November, 2007). Canoe – Jam! Music. Accessed November 15 2007.
  32. ^ Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – American Gangster. Billboard. Accessed November 18 2007.
  33. ^ Top Rap Albums – American Gangster. Billboard. Accessed November 18 2007.
Preceded by Billboard 200 number-one album
November 24 2007 		Succeeded by
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